Consulting Engineers Call for Accountability to End South Africa’s Infrastructure Implementation Crisis

Chris Campbell of CESA calls for engineers to lead SA's infrastructure-led growth, warning that systemic bottlenecks and corruption threaten economic recovery.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 7:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Engineering News.

Technical Expertise Must Drive Infrastructure Led Economic Growth

Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), has issued a call for a fundamental shift in how the nation approaches development, stating that the delivery of essential services is a basic human right. Speaking on the necessity of an infrastructure-led economic recovery, Campbell emphasized that progress must be grounded in technical expertise rather than mere policy rhetoric. He argued that engineers, who are responsible for the design and oversight of critical systems, must be positioned at the heart of delivery to ensure that projects translate into tangible improvements for society and the business community.

Engineering Sector Stability Threatened by Survival Mode Operations

The consulting engineering industry, a vital component of national development, is currently facing severe instability. According to Cesa, many member firms have been operating in "survival mode" for several years, a situation deemed unsustainable for the long-term health of the country's infrastructure. This precarious state is the result of persistent systemic issues, including a lack of professional standards enforcement at the municipal level and unreasonably low pricing models that increase risk for both clients and service providers. Campbell warned that without addressing these foundational instabilities, the capacity to plan and execute future growth remains at risk.

Procurement Bottlenecks and Corruption Hampering Service Delivery

A significant portion of the infrastructure crisis is attributed to inefficient administrative processes and unethical practices. Cesa highlighted several persistent impediments, such as delayed payments during and after project completion, procurement bottlenecks, and the non-transparent appointment of service provider panels. Furthermore, the continuous extension of bid validity periods—often using outdated pricing—has created a environment where projects stall indefinitely. Campbell noted that for infrastructure to support economic participation, projects must be fairly procured and fully executed without the interference of corruption.